Ie 02 25 2016

Inland Empire Weekly Features, Lifestyle & News You Can Use!

Vol 11, NO. 27

THISWEEK Gloria’s Corner and Words To Think About A3 & A5

Renee’s Return to San Bernardino A7

Local ‘Seuss’-ebrations planned for Read Across America

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By Yazmin Alvarez

ne Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Fox in Socks or whichever tickles your fancy, Barnes & Noble in Redlands and the San Bernardino County Library invite readers of all ages to let their imaginations run wild in celebrating the beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss for Read Across America.

Read Across America is an annual reading initiative and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss.

Barnes & Noble Redlands kicks off the celebration with a birthday party with the Cat in the Hat. From 11am-1pm Feb. 27, activities are planned at the store including a visit with three children’s authors, storytimes, crafts, and photo opportunities at 11:15 a.m. with The Cat in the Hat. iecn photo/yazmin alvarez Children’s authors include nicholas arreola, 5, of San Bernardino enjoys a hug from the Salvadoran award winning author cat in the hat during last year’s read across america celebration at Barnes & noble redlands. events are planned Feb. 27 Seuss, cont. on next pg. at the store.

Jump on over to the San Bernardino County Museum for a Leap Year celebration Dignity Health Awards Community Grants A15

INSIDE ONE SECTION, 16 PAGES

Calendar Classifieds Legal Notices Opinion Calendar Sports

A6 A11 A12 A4 A6 A10

HOW TO REACH US Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Fax: (909) 384-0406 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: sales@iecn.com

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By Yazmin Alvarez

eap Year — It happens once every four years and the San Bernardino County Museum is celebrating this weekend.

Family fun activities are planned from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 27 and 28, and guests can learn just what a “Leap Year” means.

“It’s a year with 366 days — February 29 — is an added bonus.

The calendar year has 365 days, but it actually takes Earth 365.2422 days to complete its orbit around the sun. Roman emperor Julius Caesar recognized the problem more than 2,000 years ago and introduced the concept of leap years to synchronize the calendar year with the solar year,” a museum news release explains.

As part of the Leap Year celebration, crafts and activities are courteSy photo/amBeruhren.com planned including making a frog puppet and a leaping animals coloring book. the San Bernardino county museum is celebrating leap year Little leapers can also join a long with family fun activities including a long jump Feb. 27 and 28. jump competition and a jumping lily pad race. The museum’s lizards, bugs, a bunny, and other Exploration Station will also be creatures that leap, jump, and hop.

Leap Year, cont. on next pg. open to introduce visitors to frogs, The weekend activities are part

IECN

.com

February 25, 2016

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Call for Entries:

67th Annual AllCalifornia Juried Art Exhibit

he National Orange Show announces a Call for Entries for its 67th Annual All-California Juried Art Exhibit. All artwork including painting, drawing, pastel, mixed media, collage, photography, and sculpture are welcome. The deadline to submit is March 7th.

There will be an open category and a citrus themed category.

Each category will have awards for First ($700), Second ($500), and Third place ($300) as well as six total Honorable Mentions ($100 each).

Letters of acceptance will be sent out to artists on March 25th.

Art drop-off will take place on April 8th and 9th from 9am to 4:30pm. The Artist's Reception will be held on April 19th from 6pm to 9pm. The Art Exhibit will be on display during the National Orange Show Fair in San Bernardino, CA from Wednesday, April 20th through Sunday, April 24th from 12:00pm to 9:00pm.

For 67 years the National Orange Show Art Exhibit has displayed art from talented local and regional artists spanning several counties throughout Southern California. The AllCalifornia Juried Art Exhibit at the National Orange Show was initiated in 1948 by the San Bernardino Art Association with great success. The National Orange Show Board of Directors continued it in 1949 as part of its regular agenda.

Download the Call For Entries application here: http://bit.ly/nos2016

For more information visit: http://www.nosevents.com/upc oming-events/art-exhibit/

www.sbartassociation.com or call Bill Marquez at 909-3275981 or email him at: sbartassociation@gmail.com

Got News?

Send information to Inland Empire Weekly Community News Editor Yazmin Alvarez at iecn.yazmin@gmail.com or call 909-381-9898 ext. 207.

Page A2 • February 25, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers • Inland Empire Weekly Seuss, cont. from front

IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ

The Cat in the Hat will make an appearance Feb. 27 at Barnes & Noble Redlands.

Rene Colato Lainez author of many bilingual/multicultural children’s books, including ¡Vámonos!

Let's Go!. Lainez will visit schools the day before to speak about his influential stories. Also joining the panel is Greg Trine, author of many humorous books including his latest, Willy Maykit in Space.

Finally, returning for this year’s festivities will be fantasy/adventure writer Scott Bly, author of Smasher.

Author presentations will take place throughout the two-hour event, and AVID students from Redlands East Valley High School will assist children with various crafts and activities.

A percentage of purchases by attendees will be donated to local schools, including schools within SBCUSD, and RUSD’s Highland Grove Elementary and YCJUSD’s Valley Elementary.

Barnes & Noble is located at 27460 Lugonia Avenue at Citrus Plaza in Redlands.

Admission is free.

The county library continues Read Across America with a weeklong celebration of reading in support of the Countywide Vision’s literacy campaign, Vision2Read, and the National Education Association’s Read Across America initiative begins Feb. 27 and runs through March 5 at each of the county’s 32 branch libraries.

The sites will host a specialthemed storytime or events featuring popular Dr. Seuss story times

including crafts, opportunity drawings and even a photo booth at some library locations.

As part of the celebration, the library will also offer a free decorative book bag for every 20 items checked out, while supplies last.

To learn about Read Across America events taking place at the

county libraries, visit http://www.sbclib.org/ or call 909387-2220.

Yazmin Alvarez is a reporter with Inland Empire Community Newspapers and can be reached at iecn.yazmin@gmail.com.

COURTESY PHOTO/LLUCH

LLUCH patient, Jacob Nelson, 8, from Apple Valley, proudly held the check presented from Farmer Boys alongside Farmer Boys President and COO, Karen Eadon and CEO, Demetris Havadjias. Feb. 16.

COURTESY PHOTO/AMBERUHREN.COM

The San Bernardino County Museum is celebrating Leap Year with family fun activities including a long jump Feb. 27 and 28.

Leap Year, cont. from front

of Family FunSundays brought to the community by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.

Family FunSunday activities are included with paid museum ad-

mission.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands.

The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5p.m.

General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child aged 5 to 12).

Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted

free.

To learn more visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.

Yazmin Alvarez is a reporter with Inland Empire Community Newspapers and can be reached at iecn.yazmin@gmail.com.

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Farmer Boys raises over $100,000 for LLUCH

armer Boys presented Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) with a check for over $100,000 on Tuesday, Feb. 16, which was raised during their 15th annual “Give a Helping Hand” fundraiser. The fundraiser has raised $540,657 for LLUCH since 2001.

“Farmer Boys has been a true Champion for Children through their continued commitment to our patients,” said LLUCH administrator, Scott Perryman. “We appreciate their ongoing support.”

Over the years, Farmer Boys has impacted many areas including the cardiac intensive care unit and the neonatal intensive care unit. They have also been a supporter of the hospital’s annual Children’s Day, which has impacted thousands of the community’s children.

The “Give a Helping Hand” fundraiser, held Oct. 12 – Nov 8, 2015, invited guests to make a donation by purchasing a paper “Be a Champion for Children” icon for $1 or more. The Farmer Boys restaurants in Mira Loma, Grove and Rialto were the top three, respectively, highest earning restaurants for the fundraiser.

During the presentation, Farmer Boys CEO, Demetris Havadjias, talked about his love for children as his motivation for giving back.

“I have great admiration for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital,” he said. “I hope and wish no parent or child has to experience the hospital, but if they do, this is the place to be. It is the best hospital is the world, and I’m very proud to be a sponsor.” ~Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital

Gloria’s Corner

Program presents "Quartermania" starting at 2 p.m. At the Little League West Regional Headquarters, 6707 Little League Drive, San Bernardino. All proceeds will benefit the Challengers baseball program for boys and girls with physical and developmental challenges. A $10 fee allows participates to bid for fabulous prizes for just quarters on the dollar. Vendors and refreshment will be available.

For information call Barbara Sky at 951.202.6149 or email jcswelding@verizon.net

Gloria Macias Harrison

February 29 to March 4 - Read Across America Week

Wednesday, March 2 - the Trade Connection Regional Trade Forum presents "How to Grow Your Business Through Exports" from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the San 50th Anniversary: Bernardino International Airport, All year long, California State 275 N. Leland Way, International University San Bernardino Terminal.

(CSUSB) is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Two years later in Friday, March 4 - Friends of the 1967, 59 graduates received their Center for Individual Developdegrees. Among the first graduates ment (CID) present Night at the were four black students who are Oscars Dinner, Program and being honored by the Black Fac- Awards Reception at the Center, ulty, Staff and Student Association 8088 Palm Lane, San Bernardino at the 4th Annual Pioneer breakfast at 5 p.m. For sponsorship and this week. The four being honored ticket information call are: Lois Carson, John Henry 909.384.5426 McCoy (posthumously), Mary Jane McCoy and Joyce (Gates) Saturday, March 5 - the 10th Payne. Also being honored at the Annual The State Of Women – this Pioneer breakfast for their contri- event recognizes and celebrates butions to CSUSB are: Jenise dynamic women who represent the Bush, alumna; John Futch, alum- community. It begins at 10 a.m. at nus; Linvol Henry, professor 1686 W. Baseline, Rialto - Logistic emeritus; Taft Newman, (posthu- Center #2 and is hosted by Mayor mously) director Educational Op- Deborah Robertson, City Clerk portunity Program; and Nadine Barbara McGee, Woman's Club Chavez, retired director of the Ed- of Rialto, NCNW Inland Empire ucational Opportunity Program - and the IE League of Women Votthe Lorraine Frost Award. We, the ers. This free event will feature residents of this region are fortu- vendor booths, raffles, awards and nate to have this fine institution as refreshments. Due to limited space part of our education community. RSVP is requested - call: We congratulate all the honorees. 909.820.2519 Save the Date:

Thursday, March 10 - the Boy Scouts of America California Inland Empire Council present The Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award Dinner at Shandin Hills Golf Club, 3380 Little Mountain Drive, San Bernardino from 6 to 9 p.m. Waudier "Woodie" RuckerHughes and Carl Dameron are the honorees. For sponsorship and ticket information call Tracy Youden at 909.793.2463 ext. 123.

Thursday, February 25 - Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County presents "End Summer Hunger in 2016" from 9 to 11 a.m. at Heritage Community Center, 7350 W. Liberty Pkwy, Fontana. Featured speaker for this Outreach and promotion training is Vincent Keene, Summer food nutrition expert. For information Friday, March 11 - Community call 909.723.1593 or email rhog- Action Partnership of San garth@capsbc.org Bernardino County presents the 2016 Poverty Symposium at CaliThursday, February 25 - the fornia State University San San Bernardino City Charter Re- Bernardino from 8 a.m. to 3:30 view Committee will hold a Com- p.m. This free event features munity Engagement Forum at 6:30 keynote speaker Sasha Abramsky, p.m. at San Gorgonio High a New York best selling author of School, 2299 Pacific Street. The several books on poverty. The purpurpose of the Forum is to educate pose of the Symposium is to exthe public on the need for Charter amine the socioeconomic Reform, provide an update, and challenges facing San Bernardino seek public comment and discus- County and to take an in-depth sion on recommendations being look at poverty and proven strateconsidered. gies to expand economic opportunity for all residents. Registration Saturday, February 27 - the Lit- information at 909.723.1514 or tle League District 43 Challenger www.capsbc.org/2016Pover-

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • February 25, 2016 • Page A3

or senses featuring the Hansel and Gretel Prelude by Englebert Humperinck, Symphony No. 9 by Friday, March 11 - State Sena- Dimitri Shostakoich, and Piano tor Connie Leyva is sponsoring Concerto No. 2 with Rufus Choi, the 2016 Young Women's Leader- piano. Performance starts at 7:30 ship Conference from 8 a.m. to p.m. with a pre-concert lecture an 2:00 p.m. at the Jesse Turner Com- hour before at the California Themunity Center, 15556 Summit atre of the Performing Arts, 562 W. Ave., Fontana. The free conference 4th Street, San Bernardino. For inwill feature panels on education, formation and tickets call civic engagement and leadership, 909.381.5388 or online at a college resource fair and com- www.sanbernardinosymphony.org munity resources booths. A light or in person at the Symphony ofcontinental breakfast and lunch fice, 198 N. Arrowhead Ave., San will be provided. For information Bernardino contact Vanessa Wiarco at 909.591.7016 or email Wednesday, March 30 - Latino Education & Advocacy Days vanessa.wairco@sen.ca.gov (LEAD) Summit at California Saturday, March 19 - the Wob- State University, San Bernardino. bles present the 3rd Annual Cruise For information: http:/leadsumAgainst Cancer 2016 at Veterans mit.csusb.edu Park, 290 East O Street, Colton.

The Car Show runs from 11 a.m. Coming in April: to 6 p.m. and will feature enter- Friday, April 15 - the San tainment, opportunity drawings, Bernardino Valley College Founvendors, food and trophies. The dation presents its 6th Annual show is open to all car clubs, solo SBVC Athletics Golf Tournament riders, motorcycles, bikes and ped- at the Arrowhead Country Club, dle cars. For registration informa- 3433 Parkside Drive, San tion call Liz at 909.319.3340 or Bernardino. Registration starts at Paul at 909.227.4616 noon with Shotgun start at 1 p.m.

For sponsorship and registration Saturday, March 19, - Fundrais- information call: 909.384.4471 or ing Gala Dinner and Auction- Live register on line at www.sbvcfounfrom Crafton it’s Saturday Night - dation.org from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the new Crafton Hills College Center. For Friday, April 15 - Time for i n f o r m a t i o n : Change (TFCF) 13th Annual Gala www.craftonhills.edu/foundation from 6 to 9 p.m. at the DoubleTree

by Hilton in Ontario. For informaSaturday, March 26 - the San tion call 909.886.2994 Bernardino Symphony presents Masterwork Melange, a concert Saturday, April 23 - the Rialto from the whimsical to the sub- School District presents "Putin on lime... a concert to excite the the Ritz" at Amina Carter High tySymposium info@capssbc.org

School from 6 to 9 p.m. This annual program highlights the performing arts talents of students in Rialto School District while raising funds for the district's arts programs.

Monday, April 25 - the Colton Chamber of Commerce presents its Annual Golf Classic at the Arrowhead Country Club, 3433 Parkside Drive, San Bernardino.

Registration starts at 8 a.m. with Shotgun Start at 10 a.m. for information: 909.825.2222

Saturday, April 30 - the Assistance League of San Bernardino presents the 55th Annual Signature Headdress Ball, The Ballroom Blitz at the National Orange Show, 689 S. E Street, San Bernardino.

There are two performances, matinee event starting at 9:45 a.m. and an evening Gala beginning at 5:30 p.m. For sponsorship and ticket information call 909.792.8460 or 949.494.3513 Quote: "A clear purpose will unite you as you move forward, values will guide your behavior, and goals will focus your energy - Kenneth H. Blanchard, Collaboration Begins with You: Be a Silo Buster

To submit an event or info to Gloria’s Corner please email gloharrison@me.com

KVCR Named IEEP 2015 Non-profit of the Year

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Photo Courtesy/SBCCD The KVCR FM/TV staff celebrates their recognition as IEEP 2015 Non-Profit of the Year. Shown left to right are Richard Dulock. Lillian Vasquez, Natalia Estrada, Ken Vincent, Alfredo Cruz, General Manager, Andre Jones, Yvonne Rose Powers, Frank Blanquet and IEEP President and CEO Paul Granillo

VCR General Manager Alfredo Cruz accepted the.2015 Non-Profit of the Year award from the Inland Empire Economic Partnership (IEEP) at their Annual Dinner on February 17. The award is given to the Non-Profit in recognition of the organization’s contributions in furthering the cause of economic development and a better quality of life for all of the Inland Empire. KVCR is a division of the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD).

In accepting the award, Cruz said, “KVCR comprises a great team of dedicated public media professionals who understand, and take very seriously, the opportunity we’ve been given to

serve our community. This recognition could not come at a better time and we appreciate being acknowledged for the comprehensive radio news and award winning television programming KVCR provides. The fact that the individuals and businesses that drive the Inland Empire economy appreciate and recognize the value of what KVCR delivers to our community, really means a lot!”

John Longville, President of the SBCCD Board of Trustees also in attendance, noted, “We are very proud of KVCR FM/TV. It is known throughout the Inland Empire for the quality of its programming and its commitment to providing our community with

accurate, stimulating content from wide range of perspectives.

The television station FNX is unique in the U.S. for featuring Native American and World Indigenous content.”

Chancellor Bruce Baron said, “KVCR FM/TV works within our community college district as well as serving our community.

They support our SBCCD educational mission in many ways, in the classroom working with students, providing internships, assisting with technical support on air, and in helping us get the word about our classes and programs out to our potential students.”

More information about IEEP is available at www.ieep.com.

OPINION&LETTERS Page A4 • February 25, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

frappuccino.

Food: The last thing you should have to do is pay $5.25 for a protein bistro box. I’ve considered making it a luxury for my customers to prepare their own meals. Oatmeal with banana slices on Mondays? Peeling boiled eggs on Tuesdays? No problem. Just please don’t drop the egg.

By Anthony Victoria

Oh my stars! Has Starbucks really listened to us?

Well, I’ve hit the gold standard, or so it seems.

Starbucks recently announced that beginning in April they will be awarding rewards program customers an additional star for every dollar spent on coffee, food, drinks, mugs, and other items.

Imagine that. I could buy a coffee, a cheese danish, and mug for 63 stars! That’s great and all, but what really do I gain? It’s like receiving a pat on the back for paying my car insurance, my phone bill, or for paying my rent on time.

As a fellow Starbucks customer, I realize that nothing has changed.

Sure, I’ll get more stars, but instead of having to reach 30 for Gold Level, it will not take 300!

What is wrong with this picture?

It’s like we will be paying more for additional stars!

Perhaps I should create my own rewards program. No, better yet, I should open my own coffee establishment. No more $4 cups of coffee. No more waiting in line.

No more stars.

Here’s how mine would work:

Coffee: You pay a buck per cup.

Oh, and you’d have to bring your own sugar--or not. No stars earned, but you’ll be guaranteed that these drinks won’t show up on your waistline. Instead of paying $4.25 for 19 teaspoons of sugar per cup, how about zero--as in pounds gained? (According to recent news reports, this is exactly what we are getting in that venti

Internet service: The thing that frustrates me the most is dealing with that darn Wi Fi. It seems no matter which store I go to, I can never find a plugin or quality Internet service. If you’re satisfied with dial-up-esque service, then by all means continue on. At my store, you’ll be guaranteed a plugin spot and a quick, high-speed connection. No more pulling your hair waiting hours for a connection and trying to submit that story on deadline or paper that was due an hour ago.

Restrooms: If we had to enter a code for every public restroom in the U.S., there would be a vast amount of people soiling themselves. And what about those lines? It’s hard to believe that a multibillion-dollar corporation could only afford one toilet per store. Folks, I’d guarantee at least four toilets per restroom at my place, and for us dudes, we’d have our urinals.

And about those stars: I did the math. Let’s say you buy a tall coffee everyday for 30 days; at current prices you would be spending approximately $62 (2 stars for every dollar spent according to the policy). At a minimum, I’d now be eligible to get my free item.

More stars is great and receiving a free item is even better, well at least when you have the ability to pay $62 to do so. But I think I’d rather put that amount in my piggy bank, utilize my $60 Hamilton Beach coffee maker, and relax on my cozy rocking chair. No dealing with shoddy service and rewards points. Besides, there would be no waiting for the restroom and I could slice my own bananas for my oatmeal. In fact, no dealing with costs at all. Oh, and I get to pick my own loungin’ music-- and turn it down if I need to.

No, Starbucks, I don’t think you’ve really listened to us. As for me, I will keep drinking my coffee--most probably now made it home. You can keep your lousy stars.

YOUR COMMUNITY COMMENTARY!

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Smoggy the Bear: Smoking kills, and so does air pollution

In early February I joined a group of the Sierra Club ‘My Generation’ activists in confronting AQMD Board Member Janice Rutherford. We wanted to let her know that her vote against a very strong clean air rule was essentially a cave to big polluters, and that it comes at the expense of our health and quality of life.

Residents of this region have been beaten down by the poor air quality. I, too, have fallen victim to the pollution that fills our air.

As a polar bear, I used to be beautiful, strong and full of confidence, with fur so white it made fresh arctic snow look dirty. Not anymore.

My story begins in the Arctic, where I’m from, and where, before the effects of climate change forced me to move, I enjoyed fresh air and frolicked about in the snow with my friends and family.

That all came to an end when the ice began to melt and the water began to rise. My family and I were displaced and separated. I eventually made my way to the Inland Empire, where I thought I might find work and a safer place to live.

As soon as I arrived, though, I knew something in the air wasn’t right. However, I didn’t pay much attention to the inkling; I was too busy trying to find a job, meet new people, and locate a relative or two who may have made it to the region as well. (Folks said that a distant cousin by the name of Smokey the Bear was doing ad-

With the increase in the homeless population throughout Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, I was relieved to read that San Bernardino County officials are implementing a new process that allows more children to be eligible for school meals.

(909) 381-9898 • FAX 384-0406

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 110, Colton, CA 92324 • Office Location: 1809 Commercenter West, San Bernardino, CA Letters are printed in the order they are 92408 received and are subject to editing for clarity.

Deadline is Tuesdays at noon. Readers may also submit their perspectives online at iecn1@mac.com • For advertising inquiries email sales@iecn.com Colton Courier

Gloria Macías Harrison Bill Harrison Co-Publisher General Manager Diana Harrison Martinez Managing Editor Diana Harrison Martinez Community News Editor Yazmin Alvarez Community News Editor Anthony Victoria Advertising/Classified Sales Bruce Martinez

Published weekly on Thursday.

Adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation by the Superior Court of San Bernardino County, State of California, case #73036 and therefore qualified to publish legal notices.

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Established 1910.

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RIALTO RECORD

Denise Berver Published weekly on Thursday.

El Chicano

Established 1969.

Published weekly on Thursday.

Adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation by the Superior Court of San Bernardino County, State of California, case #154019 and therefore qualified to publish legal notices.

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Published weekly on Thursday.

Adjudicated as a newspaper of gen- As a community newspaper of Fictitious Business Name Danielle Vasquez eral circulation by the Superior Court general circulation. & Accounting of San Bernardino County, State of Graphic Artist/Web Mgr. Michael Segura CI RCULAT IO N California, case #26583 and thereVERIFICATION BDM I Circulation nterprises fore qualified to publish legal notices.

OF CALIFOR-

vocacy work in this neck of the woods.)

Though I picked up work at a local warehouse, my life started to go south again. I developed respiratory trouble, fatigue set in at nearly every moment in the day, and concentration became a chore. My fur was no longer a bright white like it had before I moved to this region. Instead, it looked like an overused doormat.

After I lost my job as a result of my appearance and health issues, life seemed hopeless until I met a couple of My Generation air quality activists. They told me I was feeling the effects of San Bernardino’s dangerously polluted air, which is some of the worst in the nation. They informed me that living in San Bernardino over the last year is like spending 34 minutes in a car with a smoker every day. Most residents of the Inland Empire are moderate to low income and must live in the valley where the bulk of the pollution settles, exacerbating this health hazard. I wasn’t surprised when they told me 15 people in Southern California die each day because of the dirty air.

I started sensing an unfortunate commonality I have with the people of the Inland Empire: economically trapped in a smog-filled box while our health deteriorates more and more, making it harder and harder to get ahead. I decided to join My Generation on behalf of the people of this region by lending my odd appearance, not to

mention being a polar bear among humans, to raise attention to the AQMD’s reckless decision to reject a strong clean air rule. Confronting AQMD became my raison d’etre.

Last December, Janice Rutherford and her colleagues had a chance to approve a rule that would have forced big polluters to reduce their carbon emissions by 14 tons per day. This rule was recommended by experts and would have complied with California law. Instead, Janice Rutherford, along with six other board members, approved a plan that put profits over people.

In response to that vote, My Generation activists and I visited Rutherford’s office to deliver two cartons of unfiltered cigarettes to highlight the similarity between breathing the region’s air and consuming secondhand smoke -every day. We all know the dangers of smoking and public officials go to great lengths to warn people against secondhand smoke, but tolerating dirty air is not safe either.

I look forward to seeing you around town in the coming weeks and months as we continue to push AQMD to solve this public health threat in a meaningful way.

Lives are at stake, so AQMD must stop allowing fossil fuel stakeholders to write the regulations.

Smoggy the Bear San Bernardino

School meals for children a step in the right direction

IECNInland Empire Community Newspapers

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Views expressed in Opinion & Letters do not necessarily reflect the views of IECN

Inland Empire Community Newspapers Colton Courier • RIALTO RECORD El Chicano • Inland Empire Weekly

We are award-winning newspapers, having been so recognized by the Inland Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists In addition to mail subscriptions a combined total of 20,000 copies are distributed to approximately 400 locations in Redlands, Mentone, Highland, San Bernardino, Colton, Rialto, Bloomington, Grand Terrace Loma Linda, Moreno Valley, Riverside

Many children that come from families that are homeless likely do not have access to nutritious meals outside of the school setting.

It is my understanding that CalFresh benefits can be utilized by the homeless in some restaurants, however restaurant meals can be costly and not all homeless families may receive these benefits.

It is a step in the right direction

for the California Department of Education to collaborate with health care services and social services agencies to offer support to children in this situation since it appears that the problem of homelessness is worsening.

Carolina Morales, Claremont

E-mail us your opinions, photos, announcements to iecn1@mac.com.

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Inland Empire Community Newspapers • February 25, 2016 • Page A5

Words to Think About: Unabashed fan of Pope Francis I

I

By G. W. Abersold Ph.D.

am an unabashed fan of Pope Francis I. This is my sixth article about what he says and what he’s doing.

Since his election as the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, he has literally set the hierarchy on its head. He has changed many century old traditions and initiated several new attitudes and actions.

Two recent ones stimulate my interests.

The first one was his meeting with Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church. It was the first such meeting since their separation or schism that divided Christianity in 1,054 AD. Over 1,000 years ago.

A major issue at that time, which most church historians verify, was over priests being able to marry.

The Catholic Church said, “No;” and the Orthodox Church said, “Yes.” By the way, Cuban President Raul Castro was present during a docu-

ment signing ceremony. It was held at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, Cuba.

Pope Francis’ first response was, “We are brothers.” Then he and Kirill exchanged three kisses on the cheek. Francis then said, “This is the will of God.” And then Kirill said, “Now things are easier.”

One reporter wrote, “The signing cemented the Pope’s reputation as a risk-taking statesman who values dialogue and bridge building at almost any cost.”

The Russian Orthodox Church is the largest and most powerful of the 14 independent Orthodox churches.

It is presumptuous to think that the meeting solves their differences in the near future. But it was a beginning.

My second item of Papal interest concerns Pope Francis’ visit to Mexico and especially to the city of San Cristobal de las Casas, in the State of Chiapas. He chose to go there for the same reason he had previously gone to Bolivia. His interest in and concern for the historical plight of the indigenous people.

Basically the Mayans in Chiapas and the Incas in Bolivia. Both peoples were victimized and brutalized by the Spanish military and the Roman Catholic Church.

The Pope genuinely apologized for what the priests did to the Mayans and Incans in the 1500’s.

They enslaved them and infected them with venereal diseases.

Historians calculate that in Mexico alone there were approximately 20 million indigenous people in Mexico when Cortez arrived in the early 1500’s. By the year 1600, 18 million had been killed. Forcing

most of them to become Catholics.

Back to the present. Pope Francis chose San Cristobal de las Cases primarily because of the large population of Mayans living in its environs.

A few years ago I met two parents and their two children. We became good friends and the father –who was an architect- invited me to visit them in Tuxtla, Chiapas. Which I did.

The State of Chiapas is the most southern State in Mexico; next to Guatemala. The selvas (forests) are incredibly large; the trees are huge and the barrancas (canyons) are deep.

Luis invited me to go with him to San Cristobal de las Casas. It is located about 60 miles from Tuxtla and in 7200 feet mountains.

In ancient times, natives of the area were called, “cloud people,” because of the ring of clouds that surround the mountains just below

the 7200 foot summit. While it is dangerous, what with cliffs and ravines, it is also stunningly picturesque.

Then, suddenly, comes the sun and clear mountains. The main city is surrounded with small Mayan villages. Most of the homes have a cross in them. Not a Christian cross, but a square cross similar to a plus sign. I was told it is a pagan symbol, of loyalty to a god that preceded Catholicism. It is called a Chakana Cross.

Another interesting observation is called “syncretism.” It means the absorbing into traditions from other or pagan activities, into the Catholic Mass. Mayan music, Mayan language, instead of the use of Latin, Mayan attire, the use of Mayan instruments and even suggesting Mayan beliefs.

Of course, the message of the Pope was and is predictable. Indictment of the priesthood, condemn-

ing of the government, accepting of most of the other minority groups including gays, women who have had abortions, absentee Catholics, etc.

He also challenges his audience about poverty, jobs, illiteracy and medical care.

The blended masses of Catholic rituals and Mayan culture have caused dismay in the Mexican church hierarchy and occasionally the Vatican.

In his homily Francis denounced the way, “indigenous people have been misunderstood and excluded from society over the course of history.”

In a strong voice he spoke powerfully to 500,000 people that, “Today’s world, ravaged as it is by a throwaway culture, needs you.”

Pope Francis has left little doubt that he is on the side of neglected people throughout the world.

Amen. Selah. So be it.

he San Bernardino County Library invites you to join in the celebration of everyone’s favorite author, Dr. Seuss. A week-long celebration of reading and Dr. Seuss is in store, in support of the Countywide Vision’s literacy campaign, Vision2Read, and NEA’s Read Across America initiative. Starting Saturday Feb. 27 through Saturday, March 5, each of our 32 branch libraries will host a specialthemed storytime or event featuring popular Dr. Seuss stories.

During Dr. Seuss Celebration

week, the Library will give a free decorative book bag for every 20 items checked out, while supplies last.

All SBCL branches will host fun programs for the whole family which include crafts and, of course, reading favorite Dr. Seuss stories. Select branches will offer photo booths, opportunity drawings and more. Please check with your local County library for more details.

NEA’s Read Across America is an annual reading initiative and awareness program that calls for

every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss.

The library plays a key role in the achievement of the Countywide Vision by contributing to educational, cultural, and historical development of our County community.

For more information on the San Bernardino County library system, please visit http://www.sbclib.org/ or call (909) 387-2220.

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County Library celebrates Seuss

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Page A6 • February 25, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

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Calendar

We are reaching out to you to join our growing family of Foster Parents. Come to our orientation session and learn how you can make a difference and share the love. We offer Pre-Certification Training.24-7 Professional Staff Support. Monthly stipends from $877.00-$1048.00. Call Maria at (909) 890-4008 to serve a seat.

Colton: First and third Tuesday, Orientation and training are ongo6 p.m.; 650 N. La Cadena Dr. ing. New classes start monthly. Se Highland: Second and fourth habla espanol.

Tuesday, 6 p.m.; 27215 Base Line.

No meetings in August.

Loma Linda: Second and fourth Tuesday, 7 p.m. (check city Web site as dates are subject to change); 25541 Barton Rd. Redlands: First and third Tues- The Democratic Luncheon Club of San Bernardino meet at 12:15 day, 6 p.m.; 35 Cajon St. Rialto: Second and fourth Tues- on Fridays at Club Headquarters, 136 Carousel Mall (near the cenday, 6 p.m.; 150 S. Palm Ave. San Bernardino: First and third tral glass elevator) in San Bernardino.

Monday, 3 p.m.; 300 N. “D” St. Speaker Schedule: fternoon Delight 2/26-Connie Leyva, State Senator, SD-20 Dance Socials 3/4-Gil Navarro, Advocate and Former SB County Board of EdAll seniors, couples and singles, ucation; SB Valley Municipal welcome at free dance socials. Water Dist.

Opportunity to make new friends 3/11-Eloise Gomez Reyes, Canand remember music of our youth. didate, 47th AD Joslyn Senior Center: First and 3/19-SAVE THE DATE; Satursecond Tuesday 2 p.m., 21 Grant day 3/19 Arrowhead Country Club, Installation Banquet 2016 St., Redlands (909) 798-7550.

Redlands Community Center: Visit us at www.sbdems.com or Every third Friday 2 p.m., 111 Lu- our new Facebook page at gonia Ave., Redlands (909) 798- www.facebook/SBDems.

7572. allet Folklorico Highland Senior Center: Every Cultural Classes fourth Tuesday 2 p.m., 3102 E. Highland Ave., Highland (909) 862-8104.

Mondays 5:30-6:30 5-11yrs,

ity Council Meetings

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Other Incentives · Opportunity for Immense Growth $70k + 1st Yr Salaries ·

ri City Mega Mixer

Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in front of the hospital. Stop by on your lunch break for certified fresh produce and artisan breads. ARMC partners with the Southland Farmers Market Associ- Wednesday, March 16, 5pm to ation on the weekly market to help 8 pm at Ashley Furniture, 855 promote health and wellness to the Ashley Way, Colton. Hosted by Colton Camber of Commerce, community.

Grand Terrace Chamber and Loma Chamber.

VENDOR Linda BOOTHS AVAILABLE. Members $75.00, Non- Members $100. For more information please contact Chetay Catalano Executive DirecThursday, March 10 9am to tor at the Colton Chamber of Com12:30 pm. at Doubletree Hotel merce (909) 825-2222.

Ontario Airport, 222 North Vinennual Easter yard Ave. Ontario, CA 91764 Parking: Complimentary Eggstravaganza ● Bring 10-15 Resumes ● Dress Business Professional ● This is a free event for job seek- Saturday, March 26 at 9:45 am. . Imagine Church in North San ers. Job Opportunities include: Inside Sales Reps, Outside Sales Bernardino will hold its 9th AnReps, Account Executives, Retail nual Easter Eggstravaganza for Managers, Account Managers, children, ages 11 and under, from Insurance Sales, Customer Serv- 10 am to 12 pm at Palm Avenue ice, Technical Sales, Sales Man- Elementary School, 6565 Palm agers, Pharmaceutical Sales, Ave., San Bernardino. Gates open Telesales, Sales Trainer, Mer- at 9:45 am and this 'egg' citing chandiser, Mortgage Brokers, Fi- event is FREE. The event will innancial Planner, Route Sales, clude crafts, an Easter skit, Scruffy Retail Sales, Retail Management, the Easter Bunny and an Egg hunt Human Resources and much - with 15,000 eggs that will be sepmore! Many of the companies we arated by age groups. Information: or work with offer some of the fol- 909-887-0604 imaginechurch.net. lowing: · Base + Uncapped Comime for Change mission Pay Structure Foundation’s · Flexible Work Schedule · Full Benefits, 401K, Stock 13th Annual Star Mondays 6:30-8:30 11-adult. No Options Company Car or Gas Al- Studded Awards Gala charge. 951-233-7027. Knights of · Friday, April 15 Social CheckColumbus, 740 Pennsylvania St., lowances in 6 pm to 7p.m. We will be hav· President Club Trips & Colton, Ca.

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emocratic Luncheon Club of San Bernardino

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RMC weekly Farmer’s Market

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nland Empire Sales Job Fair

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ing our 13th Annual Star Studded Awards Gala from 6 pm to 9 pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Ontario. Should you have any questions please contact Vanessa Perez at vperez@timeforchangefoundation.org or call her at 909886-2994.

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Inland nnual Empire Salute to Veterans Parade

Saturday, April 30 at 10 a.m. . The two-hour event, which will get underway in downtown Riverside, will feature representatives from over 100 organizations, with veterans from each branch of the service taking part in the festivities. Riverside resident, Rear Adm. Allen E. "Boot" Hill, a highly decorated fighter pilot who was raised in Rubidoux and attended West Riverside Elementary School, Poly High School, and Riverside Community College, will be honored as this year’s Grand Marshal. The parade committee is currently seeking sponsors, volunteers, and participants. Those that are interested in contributing to this important event are encouraged to contact Dr. Cheryl-Marie Hansberger at cmhansberger@riversideca.gov.

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Inland Empire Community Newspapers • February 25, 2016 • Page A7

Renee's return to San Bernardino as their mysterious 50-year-old recording surfaces

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By Harvey M. Kahn

s pre-teens in San Bernardino, the Renee Sisters had an apparent blueprint to pop music fame.

They had a talented singing mother and older brothers whose voices could be heard on top-40 radio stations. The Renee's, formerly known as the McGee Sisters, could be heard daily singing the theme to a popular TV show.

However their notoriety might have increased if a lost demo song they recorded more than 50 years ago could have been marketed. That was the sub plot when the two remaining active McGee Sisters came back to San Bernardino in early February for a Black History concert at the downtown San Bernardino American Legion Hall.

Now performing out of Las Vegas, the McGee Sisters are currently known as Delia Renee and Julieann Renee. Their return to San Bernardino drew about 100 people but should have been mandatory attendance for all contemporary music students. A rave concert two miles away had about 50,000.

The two former San Bernardino High School students have musical roots associated with some of the leading figures in popular music history, including Dick Clark, Little Richard, Lou Rawls, Ike & Turner, Sam Hagar and Hal Blaine. They have appeared on shows with British style rockers and were said to be considered for one of the opener's for a 1960's Rolling Stones concert at the San Bernardino Swing Auditorium.

The McGee family goes back to the formation of 1950's rock and roll and the sisters presented

Photo/Courtesy Harvey M. Kahn) Delia Renee (Left) and Julieann Renee pictured with recording producer Dino Dupree at recent Black History Concert in San Bernardino.Dupree finally tracked down the sisters to present them with a demo tape called "Do The Bird Now" they recorded in 1964. The Renee's performed with some leading figures in pop music when they were known as the McGee Sisters.

a sampling of those sounds at their San Bernardino show. They covered songs of Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson and the Chantels.

Delia and Julieann Renee used to perform in San Bernardino with another sister, Ethyl. As elementary school students, the Renee's watched as older brothers Ernest and Charles sang in the doo wop group called The Metallics. Through the Metallics lead singer D.J. Wright, the McGee Sisters got an audition and were hired by Dick Clark and

Casey Kasem to sing the theme to Kasem's daily TV dance show called Shebang.

Before that, the McGee Sisters recorded the lost demo record that may have changed the course of their history. Dino Dupree and Currie Grant produced the demo for the McGee's at the historic PAL Recording Studios in (Rancho) Cucamonga, which was made famous by Paul Buff and Frank Zappa through their innovative recording techniques. PAL Studios is considered the birth place of surf style music. Dupree said the McGee Sisters recorded

Assemblymember Brown to Host Discussion on Opportunities to Improve our Local Economy

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s a follow up to her Transportation Summit and Trucking Roundtable, Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) will host a Logistics Town Hall on Friday, March 4, at San Bernardino Valley College.

“The logistics sector, which is responsible for moving goods from one place to another, plays a vital role in our economy and represents a large portion of jobs in the Inland Empire,” stated Assemblymember Brown.

“Next week, we’re going to discuss challenges and ways to capitalize on opportunities for growth and development. I’m encouraging all interested parties to join me and learn how we can use logistics to strengthen our local economy.”

The event will feature a panel discussion with Dr. Christopher Gopal from the Drucker School of Management at Claremont College and research economist Dr. John Husing. Topics will in-

clude transportation, logistics, the IE corridor, the environment, economic development and job opportunities.

In an effort to shine a light on the logistics industry in the 47th Assembly District, Congresswoman Norma Torres (DChino) and Assemblymembers Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove), Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield), Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles), Reggie Jones Sawyer (D-South Los Angeles) and Jose Medina (D-Riverside) will join the discussion.

The event will be held in the Business Conference Center from 12 -1:30 p.m. Free parking is available in Lot 11. Lunch is provided.

For more information or to RSVP, call (909) 381-3238 or e m a i l lisa.blacksher@asm.ca.gov.

the song, "Let's Do the Bird Now" under the name, the Metallicettes, which of course was a takeoff from the brother's Metallics.

Dupree and Grant managed the McGee Brothers as members of the Metallics. Likewise, they produced the demo to the Metallics 1962 hit "I Need Your Love" at PAL Studios. Dupree said after years of trying to locate the McGee Sisters he finally got to meet with them at their Black History Show in San Bernardino.

"I brought them a copy of 'Let's Do the Bird Now.'" Dupree also

gave them concert brochures and other memorabilia from the Metallics.

Dupree said "Let's Do the Bird Now" was never played on the radio and furthermore, the McGee Sisters do not even remember the recording session.

"The girls were really good back then. They were as good or better than any other," said Dupree.

Delia (McGee) Renee said she was in shock when she finally heard, "Let's Do the Bird Now." She and Dupree think the song is still timely and might be released in the children's music category.

Along with Dupree playing guitar on the demo was bass player Jerry Martin, who played in early Sam Hagar bands. Phil Spector's percussionist and long time special effects sound man Hal Blaine was credited on the McGee Sisters "Shebang" song.

Delia (McGee) Renee has always said their intention was never to reach stardom. Her sisters started marrying and raising children, and then there was the passing of their sister, Cynthia.

"We were just a family who liked to sing. That's what we did at family gatherings," said Delia.

"I didn't know the girls continued in music and were successful. I was glad to finally meet with them again," said Dupree.

He said the McGee's got their talent from their mother, Ollie McGee. "One day I was at the McGee house. We were all in the kitchen and Ollie McGee started to sing about wood chopping and the McGee boys and girls starting backing her up on vocals. She was a short chubby little gal and she was rockin' and shaking. I wish I had a video camera or cell phone back then to record it, but of course they were unheard of in those days."

Page A8 • February 25, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

Arlanza residents demand solutions from DTSC DTSC reevaluated the soil, but deemed that only four samples contained high levels of PCB contamination.

“The four samples that showed the highest levels of PCBs are in an area that’s not planned for homes, but it will be cleaned up regardless,” Lee told the Press Enterprise on February 15.

However, environmental engineering consultants TRC found that of 159 soil samples taken at the site, 89 indicated that PCB levels above .22 milligrams per kilogram of soil (above the safety limit) set by the DTSC and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Of the 89 samples, 33 indicated levels between 1.0 to 131 milligrams per kilogram of soil.

“We keep talking about the soil and building homes. It’s nice to be right. But it’s the people that live around there that we need to talk about,” said Scott Andrews, president of the La Sierra/Arlanza Neighborhood Alliance. “They

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have been exposed to this for 13 years. The soil will be there forever and we could always do something with it, but those people won’t be. That’s why need to take action.”

Resident Marilyn Whitney alleges that, since 2003, about 25 people and 25 pets have died due to exposure to the contamination.

“We can’t afford to lose anymore,” said a teared up Whitney.

The working group said their primary concern is the health of the residents surrounding the AgPark site. Whitney said it's important to hold every agency--the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), DTSC, and the city council--accountable to the welfare of the Arlanza neighborhood.

“How can we trust them? They have manipulated numbers, not released documents. It’s their wealth over our health”, said Whitney.

“We need an honest answer. The DTSC is probably as transparent as money water.”

PHOTO/ANTHONY VICTORIA

Resident Marilyn Whitney alleges that, since 2003, about 25 people and 25 pets have died due to exposure to the contamination.

By Anthony Victoria

esidents and environmentalists continue to demand the California Department of Toxic Substances (DTSC) to resolve the contamination of Riverside’s Arlanza neighborhood.

During a town hall meeting at Terrace Elementary School on February 18, members of the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ) and the Agricultural Park Families convened to discuss safety and health concerns, as well as request the DTSC to do its job properly.

“It is through your persistence and tenacity that you were able to make DTSC come back to the site and do confirmation testing,”

CCAEJ executive director Penny Newman said to the 50 or so residents in attendance. “It is very clear that DTSC did not do their job.”

According to a presentation made by CCAEJ, the city’s Agricultural Park--the 59.5-acre property at Crest and Rutland avenues--was the site of a Goodrich Aerostructures Group (formerly Rohr, Inc.) industrial sewer line from 1947 to 1965. In 2003, as the site was being considered for redevelopment, the developer allegedly broke a digester that remained on the property. It caused for approximately 40,000 gallons of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) sludge, heavy metals, and volatile organic com-

pounds (VOC) to pour onto the soil.

CCAEJ assistant director Jean Kayano explained that Arroyo Park Homes developer and property owner Henry Cox funded a site clean up with the oversight of the DTSC that lasted until 2014. In April of that year, the state agency provided a certification letter to Cox that deemed the property safe and clean. However, per request of DTSC Director Barbara Lee and the residents of the Arlanza neighborhood, the City of Riverside prevented Cox from moving forward on housing development in that region.

After listening to resident concerns of cancers, respiratory complications, and other illnesses the

PHOTO/KTLA

The Riverside Agricultural Park--site of the contamination of PCBs.

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • February 25, 2016 • Page A9

Leap Year highlighted San Bernardino Valley College at San Bernardino Invites Community to 4th Annual County Museum Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast

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eapin’ Lizards! Hop on over to the San Bernardino County Museum to celebrate Leap Year with Family Fun activities on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 27 and 28, scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. on both days.

A leap year happens once every four years. It’s a year with 366 days—February 29 is an added bonus. Our calendar year has 365 days, but it actually takes Earth 365.2422 days to complete its orbit around the sun. Roman emperor Julius Caesar recognized the problem more than 2,000 years ago and introduced the concept of leap years to synchronize the calendar year with the solar year.

Kids and families can jump into Leap Year-related crafts and activities, including making a frog puppet and a leaping animals coloring book. Join a long jump competition and a jumping lily pad race. The Exploration Station will be open to introduce visitors to frogs, lizards, bugs, a bunny, and other creatures that leap,

jump, and hop.

Family FunSundays and the County Museum’s other exciting events and exhibits reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.

Family FunSunday activities are included with paid museum admission. The San Bernardino County Museum is at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5p.m. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free.

Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.

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o culminate a month of special events for Black History Month, San Bernardino Valley College will host its fourth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast from 7:30 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 26.

Reflect on the meaning and importance of Black History Month and honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at this free breakfast, featuring Pastor Sam Casey of the New Life Christian Church in Fontana.

Members of the community will be honored, including Pastor Joshua Beckley, Dr. Gloria Fisher, Walt Hawkins, Ratibu Jacocks, Eloise Reyes and Dr. Tom Rivera. Open to everyone, this event is sponsored by the San Bernardino Community College District Black Faculty and Staff Association and San Bernardino Valley College Student Services Division.

ley College Campus Center, 701 S. Mount Vernon Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92410

WHAT: Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast

WHEN: 7:30 to 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 26, 2016

have worked their way to the inside of the goggles) that ended up in my eyes…not fun,” said Plitt.

Floaties only come from getting pelted by other bikes, so Plitt needs to figure out a way to get in front of people.

He ended up in 6th place for this, the 35+ Amateur race.

Christopher Johnson dominated the first moto. Then, strangely, Johnson did not show for the second. This allowed Alfredo Arratia to pick up the overall victory with 2-1 moto finishes. Steven Perry was back in the saddle and finished second overall, but it was not determined if he is actually the lead guitarist for Aerosmith.

Dave Riley started well in the 35+ Novice class, absconding with the holeshot. He was hounded by Anthony Zappier for most of the first moto. Zappier was hitting the largest jump on the track, then railing the rutted, flat turn that is two turns after that. These two places were the main spots where Zappeir was catching Riley. “I didn’t get that turn down, I kept messing it up,” explained Riley. As the race wore on, Riley was “zapped” back to second place by race winner Zappier, who rode a great race. Mark Lengner finished third overall.

Riley, who did a fine job for second overall in the 35+ Novice Class, also raced the 40 Open Class and finished 5th overall, respectively. In the 40 Open race, Branden Milstead won the overall while John Begin was second while Ralf Schmidt earned the last spot on the podium To participate in one of the most physically demanding and dangerous sports is an accomplishment in itself. For Jeff Augustyn, it had been an immense amount of time since he had raced. He and Plitt raced the Open Class.

Augustyn ripped a great start, “I got a pretty good start,” he said,

coming through the first turn in second place. “I saw Jeff just take off and he was already a mile ahead of me before the first turn,” recounted Plitt.

Plitt, meanwhile, was off the track after turn two and on the ground. His rear wheel washed out and the bike and he met terra firma with a loud, violent thud.

He got up and hustled his way up to 13th place, and would finish there for his overall position after moto two.

Augustyn raced his Honda around for an 11th overall, a terrific finish to his first race in a long time. “I know I can do better, just gotta get out here more,” he explained.

Hernan Morenowent 1-1 for the Open Class win, Dean Watson followed him in second, and Nickademas Smith rounded out the podium.

The Ultimate Amateur Series.is in its third year. They will be giving away major prizes once again including a Toyota Tacoma Pre

RSVP: Please RSVP by Thursday, Feb. 25 to Shalita Tillman at 909-384-8659 or stillman@valleycollege.edu. This event is free and open to the public. Parking is also complimentary for the morning.

Ultimate Amateur Series Starts Smashingly

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Dave Riley battles

By Joaquin Juarez

ust down Riverside Avenue, south of the 10 freeway, it is relatively simple to find one’s way to Milestone Motocross Park. Round one of the Ultimate Amateur Series was contested there.

The air was thick with anticipation for this exciting opportunity.

Not only was it a great opportunity to race at one of Southern California’s favorite motocross destinations, the prize giveaways were on a massive scale.

Each round of the series features the give away of a new dirt bike, and round one saw them give away a new Yamaha YZF 250. Many other prizes were awarded.

Photo courtesy/Michael Riley Mark your calendars for round two at Perris Raceway on the 27th of February, maybe you will win a motocross bike. Better yet, you could win the Toyota Truck that Toyota of Escondido is giving away at the end of the series.

In the racing action, one of the heroes first up on the day was Carter High School Spanish teacher, Joel Plitt. This is Plitt’s first race since the Summer of 2013, and the rust was painfully obvious. After a lackluster start, the John Burr Cycles, Fasstco, Twin Air, Pirelli, JGR, Maxima, DR.D, Moto-Master sponsored rider tried charging to the front.

He ended up having to pull his bike over and shake the dirt-clods from his goggles. “I got a few “floaties” (chunks of dirt that

WHERE: San Bernardino Val-

Runner from Toyota of Escondido. Yamaha will also be supporting the series by giving away a dirt bike at each round. Everyone who races will qualify for a chance at winning the bike, and the truck will be given away at the end of the series.

The races will be at two of the Inland Empire’s favorite tracks: the newest in our area, Milestone MX Park; and the oldest, Perris Raceway. Check out either of their websites for further details: www.milestonemx.com and www.perrismx.com are a few clicks away. The remaining dates set for the series are February 27th, April 3rd and 17th, and the finale May 1st.

The best thing you can do is head over to John Burr Cycles in Fontana to get you and the family set up with ATVs, dirt bikes and everything that goes with them.

You can also check out www.johnburrcycles.com. See you at Perris Raceway this Saturday!

Page A10 • February 25, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

Cajon falls flat in 4th, loses to Sierra Canyon

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By Richard Dawson

Photo Courtesy/Richard Dawson Taylor Goldsberry (#5) hauled in a game-high 12 rebounds and added 16 points for Cajon.

Photo Courtesy /Richard Dawson Tyla Turner (#12) scored a team-high 18 points for Cajon in a 6663 loss to Sierra Canyon in the first round of the CIF-SS Open Division playoffs on February 20.

he Cajon girl's basketball team had a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter but came up short in crunch time during a 66-63 loss at home to Sierra Canyon in the first round of the CIF-SS Open Division on Saturday, February 20.

Cajon came out hot and was ahead the entire game before Alexis Griggsby put Sierra Canyon ahead 64-63 with 1:32 left on the clock. Griggsby had a big fourth-quarter for the Trailblazers, scoring nine of her game-high 32 points to lead the late rally.

Sierra Canyon (19-7), the three-time defending State champion in Division 4, will host Brea Olinda in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, February 24.

Kayla Washington's field goal with just under six and a half to play put the Cowgirls (22-5) up by 10 at 59-49. However, the offense cooled off and went without a basket over the final 2:52 of the game while being outscored 19-8 in the fourth.

Griggsby hit a free-throw with 4.7 seconds left that all but iced the win. Cajon had one last gasp on the ensuing possession, as Tyra Turner heaved a 3-pointer to beat the buzzer but it bounced off the rim. Turner finished with 10 points and eight assists.

The loss snapped an 18-game win streak for Cajon with each win coming by at least 30 points.

Tyla Turner totaled a gamehigh 18 points for Cajon. Washington finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds while Taylor Goldsberry also finished with a double-double, reeling in a game-high 12 rebounds and scoring 16 points.

Cajon's season isn't over as the team will travel to Oak Christian of Thousand Oaks for a consolation bracket match up on February 24. The Cowgirls previously lost to Oak Christian in the third round of last year's playoffs.

Photo Courtesy/Richard Dawson Kayla Washington (#24) jumps for a rebound. She finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Photo Courtesy/Richard Dawson Tyra Turner, who dished out eight assists for Cajon, drives to the basket in the second half.

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • February 25, 2016 • Page A15

Courtesy Photo

Lyn Valbuena, Chair of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians spoke before a well attended meeting of the Inland Empire Hispanic Leadership Council where she gave an overview of the Tribe's history and their economic and philanthropic commitment to the region. In this photo Valbuena is surrounded by members of the Board of Directors and including Maurice Calderon, the original founder and organizer of the group. Pictured above are (left to right) Dennis Gutierrez, Kristine Scott, Mary Figueroa, Jesse Ramirez, Lynn Valbuena, Yolanda Cabrera, Laura Morales, Yvette Walker and Adam Torres. Up front below is Jaime Hurtado and Maurice Calderon.

Dignity Health Awards Community Grants

Group photograph of the seven nonprofit recipients of the Dignity Health Grants.

Photo Courtesy/Ricardo Tomboc San Bernardino Councilman John Valdivia and Father Mike Barry President/Chairman of the Board with Mary's Mercy Center, who is one of the Dignity Health Community Grants recipients.

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By Ricardo Tomboc

ignity Health of the Inland Empire, which includes Community Hospital of San Bernardino and St. Bernardine Medical Center, awarded more than $250,000.00 to seven local nonprofit organiza-

tions. On Thursday, February 4th, San Bernardino Councilman John Valdivia and representatives from the offices of Congressman Pete Aguilar, Senator Mike Morrell, Assemblyman Marc Steinorth and San Bernardino County Supervisor Josie Gonzales joined Dignity Health in recognizing the seven nonprofit

organizations for their efforts to improve the health and quality of life in the Inland Empire. The community grants luncheon was held at the Rezek Center at the St. Bernardine Hospital facility.

The grand recipient organizations and awards are Central City Lutheran Mission ($ 27,700.00), Inland Caregivers Resource Center ($ 24,750.00), Legal Aid of San Bernardino ($ 32,519.00), Lestonnac Free Clinic ($ 75,000.00), Mary's Mercy Center ($ 25,000.00), Salvation Army of Riverside and San Bernardino County ($ 33,750.00) and San Bernardino Sexual Assault Services ($ 33,750.00).

Dignity Heath has 39 hospitals including Community Hospital and St. Bernardine Hospital; and was able to fund more than four million dollars in grant awards to nonprofit organizations located in California, Arizona and Nevada.

The $ 250,000.00 grants directly affect those who need it the most in the Inland Empire. "The partnership of Dignity Health and the nonprofit organizations awarded the grants, reflect Dig-

nity Health's strong commitment to serve the community, not only as a health care provider, but as a partner to those who work to better the lives of others", said Linda McDonald, Dignity Health In-

Photo Courtesy/Ricardo Tomboc

land Empire Vice President of Mission Services. Community Hospital of San Bernardino has served the community since 1910. St. Bernardine Medical Center was founded in 1931.

Photo Courtesy/Ricardo Tomboc From left to right: Ricardo Tomboc, Salvation Army Advisory Board Member, Ann Matu Director at the Salvation Army TLC, Shirili Valdez, Salvation Army Chaplain and Administrative Aid, Samuel Valdez, Director of the Path-To Prosperity Program and Kristina Starkey, Donor Relations Director. The Salvation Army representatives accepted Dignity Health's $ 33,750.00 grant during the Dignity Health Community Grants Luncheon.

Page A16 • February 25, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

Inland Empire businesses dropping anchor at Los Angeles Boat Show Feb. 25-28

C

By Yazmin Alvarez

an you hear the ocean calling?

Several Inland-area businesses can and they’re heading out in response to the call as the Los Angeles Boat Show returns Feb. 25-28, celebrating 60 years of life at sea.

Presented by Progressive Insurance, the four-day trade show takes place both on land at the Los Angeles Convention Center and in the water at Burton W. Chace Park in Marina del Rey, and showcases hundreds of vessels from entrylevel family cruisers to million dollar yachts, plus the latest in boating, outdoors, and marine accessories. On land at the center, new boats, gear and accessories will be showcased, while sail- and powerboats 35' and larger will be featured in-water at the park. Several hands-on activities, crafts and a Kids’ Zone will be available for little skippers, as well.

“Locally, it’s a great way to have Inland Empire residents check out options in the boating industry,” said Dave Geoffroy, show manager and vice president, National Marine Manufacturers Association West.

Hardin Marine Arrowhead, a San Bernardino-based boat dealer, will be among the area’s exhibitors showcasing powerboats at the event, including rentals locals can take advantage of in nearby Lake Arrowhead.

“The ocean isn’t too far from the area and with plenty of lakes nearby, the show makes for a great opportunity to learn about what can get you cruising in the water,” said Geoffroy.

But it’s not just about the vessels this year, he added.

To mark the show’s 60th anniversary, the event will feature a Float-in Theater, where guests can relax on deck in a boat and enjoy boating videos — popcorn included — as well as seminars.

Other highlights include: •Boating Education – Offering

educational seminars and in-water training, attendees can learn to drive a boat with daily power boating and sailing lessons at Discover Boating Hands On Skills Training at Marina del Rey. Boating seminars and in-water lessons are taught by USCG-certified captains, and for the DIY Boater, Fred’s Shed Interactive Learning Center at the LA Convention Center features continuous seminars and interactive how-to classes on boat repair and more throughout the weekend.

•SailFest at Marina del Rey – It’s a sailor’s delight with sailboats, gear and accessories to shop, plus sailing seminars, onwater lessons from top instructors, and a sailing simulator to get those feet wet before hitting the water.

•Marine Entertainment and Electronics Pavilion - Presented

by Integrated Marine Services, it’s everything a boater needs to upgrade, enhance and stay connected on the water. Featuring demos on low-cost, high-speed internet, autopilots and radar, wireless remote control for yachts, underwater LED boat lights, stereo systems, boat speakers and more.

Tickets allow entry to both show locations and a free shuttle between the two show sites is available at the Convention Center lobby and at the entrance of Burton Chace Park at the end of Mindanao Way in Marina del Rey. Admission is $15 for adults; free for youth 15 and younger and active military. Show hours: Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles Feb. 25 and 26, noon to 9 p.m; Feb. 27 and 28, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey Feb. 25 and 26, noon to 5 p.m. and Feb 27 and 28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To learn more or for ticket information visit LosAngelesBoatShow.com or call 714-633-7581.

COURTESY PHOTOS/LA BOAT SHOW

San Bernardino-based powerboat dealer and boat rental, Hardin Marine Arrowhead along with a handful of other Inland Empire businesses will be among the exhibitors at the 2016 Los Angeles Boat Show Feb. 25-28. The event takes place both on land at the Los Angeles Convention Center and in the water at Burton W. Chace Park in Marina del Rey.